Perrelet’s LAB Peripheral brings playful innovation to the wrist with its dial-side rotor and warm salmon tones. A refreshing take on modern watchmaking, it’s a timepiece that blends technical intrigue with everyday elegance.
Launched in 2021, the Perrelet LAB Peripheral collection marked a shift in their design philosophy. The Lab Peripheral collection combined traditional elegance with a unique approach to mechanical watchmaking. While it isn’t the first of its kind to have a winding rotor on the dial, the LAB Peripheral models presented an exciting and playful way of interpreting the dial.
Perrelet is renowned for its innovations in automatic watchmaking. Their iconic and signature timepiece is the Turbine, in which multiple blades on the dial spin in the same fashion a winding rotor would, with the movement of the wrist. When the blades started spinning, it looked like a turbine in action. The Turbine’s innovative design was thanks to Perrelet’s patented Double Rotor, which comprises of two oscillating masses, one on the dial side and the other on the rear. These two winding rotors work in perfect synchronisation with each other, providing the barrel spring with constant energy, which guaranteed a faster and more efficient winding of the movement than a conventional system.
Drawing on this experience, Perrelet then went about designing a more elegant version using the concept of the Turbine. The peripheral oscillating weight was developed by the in-house engineers, transforming the movement into a unique and distinctive device. There were multiple benefits to this new design. Firstly, the thinness of the movement was retained, providing better wearability of the timepiece overall. By also moving the winding rotor to the dial side, the case back offered a clean and open view of the complete movement.
It is not just a matter of fashion. As the direct heirs of 1950s models, salmon coloured dials symbolise continuity with history, which is particularly significant for long-established brands. Like Maison Perrelet, which was founded in 1777 and has built an internationally recognised reputation over time.”
Since the LAB Peripheral collection’s debut, Perrelt has released numerous variants, which include a time and date model and a timepiece with additional dual-time functionality. These models have been available in the standard silver, black, and blue, with a stunning green being added to the collection as well. These latest salmon coloured releases bring a fresh new look to the LAB Peripheral collection, infusing vibrant colour while staying true to the collection’s innovative spirit.
Case Design
Both the time and date and dual-time models feature the same case design: a 42mm x 42mm cushion-shaped stainless steel case. The LAD Peripheral case has a refined architectural design, where the circular bezel is met with a octagonal base which has chamfered edges to give a softer appearance. The lugs continue this design with the edges being chamfered to give the otherwise sharp design a more elegant appearance. One aspect that certainly makes the case standout (if not for the design already) is the different finishing techniques. The chamfered edges of the case all feature a mirror-like polished finish, while the top surfaces of the case come with satin-brushed finishing in vertical and horizontal directions. This naturally allows the case to shine beautifully under different lighting angles, enhancing the timepiece’s elegance and luxury appearance.
Dial Design
While both variants of the LAB Peripheral feature the same core design, they cater to different lifestyles and preferences. The time and date model features a more simplistic look in an overall sophisticated design. The date window is positioned above the 6 o’clock hour indices, which I personally think is a great design choice as it offers a balanced dial design. At the centre of both dials is a vertical groove finish, adding a sense of movement and light play as you move your wrist. The peripheral rotor runs along the edge of the dial, between the minute track and the centre dial “plate”, creating the impression of a sleek mechanical track in constant motion. This ingenious design allows the rotor to remain visible on the dial, without obstructing the readability of the dial.
The main difference with the time and date and dual-time model is that the date window for the dual-time has been shifted to underneath 12 o’clock, with two apertures showcasing the date elegantly. At 6 o’clock, we are now presented with a 12-hour sub-dial, with an added day and night indicator between 10 and 11 o’clock. While the dial elements have shifted for the dual-time model, it still remains a balanced design, providing a refined visual aesthetic that makes it ideal for frequent travellers and business professionals.
What’s new with these two models is, of course, the salmon colour, used on the centre dial and outer minute track. The salmon colour really does bring out the beauty of this timepiece. While my favourite has been the green due to its deep tone being perfectly complemented by the white elements of the dial, this salmon colour offers a striking alternative, bringing warmth and elegance to the collection. Thanks to the salmon colour, these new models have quickly become the standout pieces in the collection!
Movement
Perrelet’s design of the peripheral oscillating weight was only made possible by their state-of-the-art in-house movement: P-411 calibre. Perrelet explains the design of this mechanism as “the P-411 calibre in which the oscillating weight, a 180° plate’s segment, is fixed to a wheel with toothing inside, which engages with a pinion on the outer rim of the movement and transmits the energy to the gear-train winding the mainspring.” Mounted on ball bearings, the peripheral oscillating weight is fixed with a screw on plate that is then decorated with oblique stripes in relief.
The P-411 calibre movement drives the time and date only model, operating at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800 VpH) and giving out a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. For the dual-time model, the P-421 calibre is used. This movement, derived from the P-411 calibre, features the same technical features. Both movements can be seen through the case back, which, thanks to the rotor being on the dial side, offers an unobstructed view of the regulating organ, surrounded by large rhodium-plated bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève motif and engravings in 3N gold.
Initial Thoughts
Perrelet’s LAB Peripheral is a timepiece that is both technically impressive and visually captivating. With the winding rotor seamlessly rotating without obstructing the readability of the dial, the timepiece is fun while showcasing it’s sophistication. I own a M.A.D. 1S and these kind of watches can be a pure joy to wear. Something different from traditional and modern watchmaking, the LAB Peripheral offers a unique wrist presence that sparks conversation while still delivering practical daily wearability. It proves that horology can be playful without sacrificing craftsmanship, making it a refreshing addition to any collection.
Now with the addition of the salmon dial variant to the LAB Peripheral collection, it breathes fresh life into the collection, offering a warm, elegant alternative which enhances the watch’s versatility while maintaining that contemporary edge. The collection’s refined case architecture, layered dial design, and the playful peripheral rotor create a watch that feels dynamic on the wrist without ever sacrificing wearability or practicality.
Specification: Perrelet LAB Peripheral (Ref. A1100/6)
- Dimensions: 42mm X 13.3mm thick
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Dial: Salmon coloured centre dial with vertical grooving. Date window at 6 o’clock. Salmon coloured minute track.
- Water Resistance: 50m (5 Bar)
- Movement: Automatic Perrelet caliber P-411
- Movement Power reserve: Approx. 42 hours operating at 4Hz (28,800 VpH)
- Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective Treatment
- Bracelet/Strap: Black leather strap with closure 1 clasp system.
International Recommended Retail Price: $4,280 USD
Availability: Available through Perrelet Boutiques and authorised retailers, or head online to Perrelet.com
Specification: Perrelet LAB Peripheral (Ref. A1100/E)
- Dimensions: 42mm X 13.3mm thick
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Dial: Salmon coloured centre dial with vertical grooving. Date window at 6 o’clock. Salmon coloured minute track.
- Water Resistance: 50m (5 Bar)
- Movement: Automatic Perrelet caliber P-411
- Movement Power reserve: Approx. 42 hours operating at 4Hz (28,800 VpH)
- Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective Treatment
- Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with hidden clasp.
International Recommended Retail Price: $4,380 USD
Availability: Available through Perrelet Boutiques and authorised retailers, or head online to Perrelet.com
Specification: Perrelet LAB Peripheral (Ref. A1101/6)
- Dimensions: 42mm X 13.3mm thick
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Dial: Salmon coloured centre dial with vertical grooving. Date window at 12 o’clock. Dual-time indicator at 6 o’clock. Salmon coloured minute track.
- Water Resistance: 50m (5 Bar)
- Movement: Automatic Perrelet caliber P-421
- Movement Power reserve: Approx. 42 hours operating at 4Hz (28,800 VpH)
- Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective Treatment
- Bracelet/Strap: Black leather strap with closure 1 clasp system.
International Recommended Retail Price: $5,480 USD
Availability: Available through Perrelet Boutiques and authorised retailers, or head online to Perrelet.com
Specification: Perrelet LAB Peripheral (Ref. A1101/E)
- Dimensions: 42mm X 13.3mm thick
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Dial: Salmon coloured centre dial with vertical grooving. Date window at 12 o’clock. Dual-time indicator at 6 o’clock. Salmon coloured minute track.
- Water Resistance: 50m (5 Bar)
- Movement: Automatic Perrelet caliber P-421
- Movement Power reserve: Approx. 42 hours operating at 4Hz (28,800 VpH)
- Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective Treatment
- Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with hidden clasp.